The 2015 Lent Course from DLT takes its inspiration from the past as it guides small groups through the Lent period with the help of the classic 1940's film Casablanca.

Using clips from Casablanca as a launch pad for discussion, 'A Beautiful Friendship' is designed for individuals and groups to engage with the themes of Lent in a new and fresh way. The romance-fuelled movie set in the height of World War II touches on many important themes such as sacrifice, repentance, and hope.

The course comprises five weekly sessions for groups meeting during the season of Lent, exploring: Waiting in the wilderness; Lamenting and lost love; Seeing God's bigger picture; Standing up for our beliefs; The power of self-sacrificial love.

Paul Kerensa (comedy writer for Maranda and Not Going Out) and his wife Zoe Young - both small group leaders at their church in Guidford - masterfully weave these famous scenes into their lent course. Using clips from the film, discussion starters and insightful reflections the course will inspire and challenge Christians to revisit the Easter story from a different perspective.

Inside the this lent course you will find:

• Leader notes
• Timings for film clips
• Discussion starters

• Reflections and prayers

  Each session is designed to last 60-90 minutes but is split into two halves, so leaders could run ten shorter sessions if they wish.

  The sessions explore the following themes:
  Session 1: Trapped in exile / Wilderness and waiting;

Session 2: Lament / Love and Loss;

Session 3:'Seeing through a glass, darkly' / the bigger picture of God's plans for us;

Session 4: Standing up for our beliefs / Torn between love and virtue;

Session 5: Sacrifice and new beginnings

The DVD 'Casablanca' is not included.

'A Beautiful Friendship' follows on from a wealth of Lent Courses based on popular films such as 'Another Story Must Begin' based on Les Miserables, 'Finding a Voice' based on The King's Speech and 'Not a Tame Lion' based on the Narnia Series.